March 15, 2015 - The Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, today issued a statement following the landfall of Tropical Cyclone Pam, which struck Vanuatu as a severe Category 5 storm on Friday (local time):
“On behalf of the Government of Canada and all Canadians, I extend our deepest sympathies to the people of Vanuatu. We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life and by the destruction wrought by Tropical Cyclone Pam. Electricity and communications are down across much of the country, and initial reports suggest approximately 50 percent of Vanuatu’s population may be left homeless.
“To help address immediate humanitarian needs, Canada has contributed to the Disaster Relief Emergency Fund set up by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
“Canadian officials, in cooperation with international partners, are monitoring the situation closely to ensure that the needs of the affected population are being met. Canada stands ready to provide emergency consular assistance as required.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Vanuatu.”
Canadian citizens in Vanuatu requiring emergency consular assistance should contact the High Commission of Canada in Australia by calling +61 2 6270 4000 or Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada’s 24/7 Emergency Watch and Response Centre by calling 1-800-387-3124 or +1 613 996 8885 (collect calls are accepted where available).
Friends and relatives in Canada who are concerned about Canadian citizens they believe to be in the affected area should contact Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada’s 24/7 Emergency Watch and Response Centre by calling 1-800-387-3124 (toll-free) or 613-996-8885 (collect calls are accepted) or sending an email to sos@international.gc.ca.
Maxime Robert
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of International Development and La Francophonie
343-203-6238
maxime.robert@international.gc.ca
Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
343-203-7700
media@international.gc.ca
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